Islanders can have their drinking water tested for nitrates at a series of free clinics taking place across the Island.
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry will be bringing its analytical capabilities to the communities holding the clinics. This will make it simple and convenient for people to get their drinking water tested. They simply bring a one cup sample of water from their private well to the clinics.
These community-based “nitrate clinics” are the result of an early recommendation of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater, which is developing a strategy to address the issue of nitrate concentrations in water.
“We acted quickly to establish these clinics because we know Islanders are concerned about the quality of their drinking water,” said the Honourable George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry. “We are eagerly awaiting the Commission’s final report so we can develop a plan to further address this important issue.”
The Department of Environment, Energy & Forestry is investing $35,000 toward this project.
This service provides an instant report on the levels of nitrates in the samples provided by local citizens. If this screening test shows high concentrations of nitrate, there will be follow-up testing at no charge.
“It is important to raise awareness about this issue and to give people accurate information about the water in their well,” said the Honourable Armand DesRoches, Chair of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater. “We are pleased to see the provincial government adopt this early recommendation of the Commission.”
The Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater will report to the Premier by June 2008. The Premier has made the commitment to table the report in the Legislature.
Clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
November 17 – Souris Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation, Souris Striders Ski Club, Souris Line Rd
November 24 – Southeast Environment Association, Kaylee Hall, Pooles Corner.
December 1 – Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association, Kanata Club, Kinkora
December 8 – Trout River Environmental Committee, New London Community Centre
December 15 – Trout Unlimited, Prince County, Westisle School
For information on nitrates and the work of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater, visit the website at www.gov.pe.ca/CommissiononNitrates or call 1-866-368-5044.